Wound Care or bust!

[pnkgirl25]

So I have set it before and I'll say it again... I LOVE WOUND CARE! And now that I have finally passed the NCLEX and am an LVN I am trying to map out my 5 year plan so that I can get to where I want to be.

So my question is where should I start? I have searched online and don't see postings for LVN treatment nurses and I know they hire LVN. Am I better off just printing up a bunch of resumes and door knocking on long term care centers?

Also are there any certs I should get now that would help me? I already have BSL, ACLS, IV/Blood and PALS...Is there a wound care class for LVN's? I would love to also work in a wound care clinic but all those seem to be attached to hospitals and I run into the 1 year experience situation...

Also, i did a 8 week preceptorship in wound care...and was awarded clinical excellence in wound care from my school...should I be listing this on my resume when I apply? I'm not sure hwo to add in the preceptorship since it was not paid?

Any tips would be great.

[ShannonV, ASN, RN]

I would definitely list any relevant experience on your resume' and/or in your portfolio. I also have a long-term career goal of working as a WOCN.

I graduated in December as an RN and just signed a 2-year internship on a SPCU, which will be fundamental for my experience. I begin my BSN in May, from then I will go to Emory University in Atlanta for their 3 month wound certification class.

A year into my RN I knew I wanted to do wound care, so I did my research and this is what I have found:

MOST, not all (as we learned in nursing school, there are always exceptions to everything haha) wound care nurses need special certification, one cannot simply jump into wound care as far as I understand. To be a competent wound care nurse, I have found that most employers want to see a minimum of two years in a Med-Surg/PCU type experience for the exposure to a vast amount of surgical and non-surgical wounds.

To become a certified WOCN through reputable universities (like Emory University in Atlanta), you must have your BSN prior to acceptance, along with applicable experience.

Of course I am sure there are employers out there that will throw one into it and offer WOCN classes, which is fine for those who want to go that route.

I however, am dead set on having a career as a reputable WOCN, I want to take the time and achieve my BSN followed by certification through a reputable institution, as this will only benefit me in my career and the patients whom I will be caring for.

I highly recommend going to Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN®) as a starting ground if you are serious about a career in wound care.

I wish you all the best of luck and success in your career. :)

[noc4senuf]

You may become wound care certified as an LVN through WCEI. but, you need to have proof that you have been working in wound care for the past 5 years. This WCC is recognized by the National Alliance of Wound Care.

[CWONgal]

There is also a WTA program for LPN's or non BSN RN's. It's through the WOCNCB and training programs area available across the country.

[txnursegiggles]

No input on certification; However, I am an LPN in a LTC facility. Worked there one year and was asked to be the wound care coordinator. Good way to get some experience.